Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones supply extra high-end low finish

Audiophiles are constantly determined for one thing new … but by some means continuously afraid of change. They are often relied upon to lament a headphone’s shortcomings, nonetheless minor, then be skeptical when a brand new mannequin is introduced. If that sounds exhausting, it’s. Consensus shouldn’t be a state sometimes present in these circles. The Sennheiser HD 600 household of open-back reference-level headphones, nonetheless, is famous, and few would argue. Launched in 1997, the HD 600 established itself as an icon of scientific, crystalline monitoring. In 2003, the HD 650 joined the occasion, bringing the epitome of clean musicality. In 2018, Massdrop (now Drop) launched the HD 6XX collaboration, a variant of the HD 650 out there for $239 (making it top-of-the-line values in audiophile headphones in the marketplace). Across the similar time, the HD 660S retuned efficiency with exact mids much more nestled within the silky spectrum. This brings us to the brand new information: The HD 660S2, a revision that guarantees to deal with frequent suggestions—not sufficient hefty bass—although low-distortion low finish comes at a better premium.

The HD 660S2 shares the light-weight plastic physique of the road, full with immediately recognizable steel-mesh grilles that allow you to peer in on the tweaked transducers and admire their airflow. The velour-wrapped foam earpads/headband additionally stay the identical, clamping these jet-black ovals (with their bronze accents) firmly to your head for consolation and readability. Like all of the 600 collection, the HD 660S2 affords zero isolation and excessive leakage, so solely contemplate them when you’ve got a quiet listening station. Presumably, the luxurious mids stay intact—excellent news for followers of vocal-rich materials.

What has modified within the 660S2 are the impedance (now 300 ohms, vs. 150 ohms for the unique) and the voice coil and encompass (lighter, lither)—which means increased magnetic power, heightened pace, a blacker backdrop, and decrease resonant frequency. Punchier sub-bass ought to now lengthen to 70 Hz (previously 110 Hz), whereas grain is claimed to be diminished between the treble peaks. One other factor the 660S2 achieves: an elevated price ticket of $599.95.

The method with Sennheiser’s HD 600 household has at all times been equals not sequels—nobody mannequin is the very best, however one may be the very best for you. Now, with the HD 660S2, a hotter, smoother, however nonetheless pure response may very well be kicking—supplied you’ve an appropriately highly effective, exact sign chain (assume accuracy-focused DACs, headphone amps, and/or DAPs, significantly ones with a 4.4mm balanced port). 

Preorders for the Sennheiser HD 660S2 are open, with headphones scheduled to ship Feb. 21. We’re getting a pair within the coming weeks, so examine again for our deep dive into this hi-fi headphone’s dramatic depths.